Maintaining Community Through Ritual

This full day immersive workshop will be a deep dive working with one of the northern European myths that have survived by being passed down through the oral tradition. The myths apparently knew, already, 5 thousand years ago, the kind of tensions between diversities that are still challenging in the modern setting.

Come prepared to be delighted by story and poetry, accompanied by a West African Djembe drum. The task is to give some experiential knowledge of the Elemental powers as seen through the West African Dagarra tradition—Earth (intimacy)—Mineral (initiation)—Water (affirmation)—Fire (alliance)—Nature (creating). Through a unique method of facilitation, Jones will get the crowd sharing, speaking up and speaking out, laughing and listening, and maybe a little bit of foot tapping as well!

In the view of tribal peoples, all human ancestors, the challenges and passions of life require more than human knowledge and skill. The extra power was often seen as coming from the unseen—myth, story, the magic of nature that can't be "3d printed." Myths could be helpful because they describe situations that all people in all times experience. It seems as if OUR time really is THE time of the worst confusion and trouble—but apparently, (according to what we find in myth) our ancestors often felt the same! There is no requirement to sign up for a "belief" system, just bring an open mind and listening ears.

The practice of bringing the personal into conversation with the perennial is an ongoing one. The myth doesn't tell you what to do—it helps you understand what the situation already really is anyway. And myth can be the guide to rituals which can renew life with understanding, encouragement, blessing, and appreciation. We'll attempt a small one if we can get there together.

This way of working with story in community is not only personal, but the time-tested way of training those who would tell stories or do ritual as well. If that is your interest, the day is an old-style "learn as you experience" training day.

YOUR INTENTION 

Do you need to heat things up, or cool them down with water? Is this a time for grounding, or crystal clear clarity? Is the wildness missing, or out-of-hand? These are all things to bring to the evening. Bring a willingness to see if the story might have any wisdom that is useful.

PRACTICAL MATTERS

Full Tuition 195.00 —— Scholarship Rate Tuition $145.00

Please arrive before 9:30 to get settled.

NOTE: Bring your own lunch . . . or . . . the cafe is open next door to our workspace—SWAN CAFE: "Amazing little hidden gem on the Swan River. Located at the end of Fauntleroy St, this little family owned cafe is everything a cafe needs to be. Simple, friendly, and suuuuuper tasty."
and check it out!

Please turn your cell phone off for the duration of the workshop unless absolutely needed. All are welcome in this space. If by any chance you know how to do hand drumming, please contact Randy prior to the event.

FACILITATION

Randy Jones is the author of "Medicine Without an Expiry Date: Indigenous Remedy for Modern Times." In the words of Malidoma Somé, Randy is "a person dedicated to teaching others by encouraging them to expand their horizons, explore their inner emotional depths and transform their way of being in the world.”

https://www.wildgenius.guide/